The NDSU western horse show team, for the first time, has tied for overall High Point Regional Team. During four regular season shows this spring, the team earned three High Point Team Awards and one Reserve High Point Team Award at shows in Crookston, Minn., and NDSU.

“This is a big feat for NDSU as this region is comprised of some very tough teams from Minnesota, Wisconsin and South Dakota,” said Tara Swanson, coach and equine lecturer. “The NDSU western team is made up of 24 members who put a lot of time, hard work and dedication into this success.”

Ten members of the team have qualified for the regional competition scheduled for Feb. 28 to March 1 in River Falls, Wis. Regional qualifiers include seniors Natalie Altendorf and Lynn Brockway; sophomores Carley Eddy, Janelle Lanoue, Janessa Thompson, Catie Vieths and Shannon Voges; and freshmen Jackie Eldredge, Chelsea Sazama and Jordan Schultz. Depending on the riders’ performances, they may qualify for semi-final and national competitions. Altendorf, Brockway and Thompson are not expected to compete due to scheduling conflicts.

The other team members include senior Heather Hansen; juniors Rachael Runck and Nikki Slack; sophomores Jenna Benjaminson, Liz Burley, Alisha Freitag, Amanda Grev, Sara Holman, Alyssa Jorgenson and Kelly O’Connell; and freshmen Laura Compart, Tiffany Golberg, Brittney Huggins and Tiffany Mosset.

“The team is very young, with 19 of the 24 members being freshman or sophomore status,” Swanson said. “With a large number of returning members for next year and some new additions, the team shows a lot of promise for success again next year.”

Photo Caption
Back row from left to right: Jackie Eldredge, Jordan Schultz, Chelsea Sazama, Shannon Voges and Alisha Freitag. Middle row from left to right: Liz Burley, Kelly O’Connell, Lynn Brockway, Catie Vieths, Amanda Grev and Laura Compart. Front row from left to right: Brittney Huggins, Alyssa Jorgenson, Carley Eddy, Janelle Lanoue, Tiffany Golberg, Nikki Slack and coach Tara Swanson.